If you experience urinary or fecal incontinence, difficulty emptying your bladder or bowel, pain during sexual intercourse, pain or discomfort in the pelvic region, chronic constipation or diarrhea, or pelvic organ prolapse, you have pelvic floor dysfunction that can be treated by a physical therapist.

How to know if you have pelvic floor dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a common condition that affects many people, but it is often overlooked and under-diagnosed. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, such as pain, discomfort, and urinary or fecal incontinence. Fortunately, physical therapy can be an effective treatment for PFD.

In this blog entry, we discuss what pelvic floor dysfunction is, how to know if you have it, and how a Doctor at Physical Therapy at Rose Physical Therapy Group can help.

What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and tissues that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum. When these muscles are weak or tight, it can cause a variety of problems, including incontinence, pain, and discomfort. Pelvic floor dysfunction can occur due to a variety of factors, including pregnancy and childbirth, surgery, and chronic constipation/bladder issues.

How to Know if You Have Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have PFD:

• Urinary or fecal incontinence
• Difficulty emptying your bladder or bowel
• Pain during intercourse
• Pain or discomfort in the pelvic region
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Pelvic organ prolapse (a condition where the pelvic organs drop from their normal position)

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

How Rose Physical Therapy Group Can Help

At Rose Physical Therapy, we have Doctors of Physical Therapy that specialize in the treatment of PFD. Our physical therapists use a variety of techniques to help strengthen and relax the pelvic floor muscles, including:

• Manual therapy: Our physical therapists use hands-on techniques to release tension in the pelvic floor muscles.
• Therapeutic exercise and Neuromuscular re-education: We develop individualized exercise programs to strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles and improve overall function.
• Education: Our physical therapists provide education on proper bowel and bladder habits, as well as techniques for managing symptoms and improving body mechanics.
• Biofeedback therapy: This technique uses sensors to measure muscle activity and helps patients learn how to properly contract and relax their pelvic floor muscles.

If you think you may have PFD, we are here to help at Rose. Contact Rose Physical Therapy to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards a healthier, more comfortable life. We have convenient, metro-accessible or public transportation accessible offices located at Navy Yard just a few blocks from Capitol Hill, and in downtown Washington, DC between Dupont Circle and Farragut Square.